Holmium Laser Enucleation of Prostate Within 6 Weeks of Transrectal Ultrasound Guided Prostate Biopsy is Safe and Effective.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the safety and efficacy of performing Holmium laser enucleation of the prostate (HoLEP) for the treatment of bladder outlet obstruction secondary to an enlarged prostate within 6-weeks of a transrectal ultrasound (TRUS) guided prostate biopsy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We performed a retrospective review of patients who underwent a HoLEP at our institution, excluding any patients with a confounding urologic history and compared patients who underwent a TRUS-guided 6- or 12-core prostate biopsy, and then underwent a HoLEP within 6 weeks (study group) with all other patients (control group). Our primary outcomes were enucleation efficiency (EE) and perioperative complication rate. Our secondary outcomes included postoperative drop in hemoglobin, duration of catheterization, length of hospital stay, voiding metrics at 1 and 6 months and rate of incidental prostate cancer diagnosed on histopathological examination of prostate specimens after HoLEP. To test for differences between the study and control groups, we performed independent sample t-test (2-tailed) and chi-square tests for quantitative and qualitative variables, respectively. P values of < 0.05 were considered statistically significant. RESULTS: 552 patients met inclusion criteria and 84 patients underwent prostate biopsy within a period of 45 days prior to HoLEP. Enucleation efficiency was higher in the study group (P = 0.00). There was no significant difference between the 2 groups regarding perioperative complications, postoperative voiding outcomes, or rate of incidental prostate cancer detection. CONCLUSIONS: TRUS prostate biopsy performed within 6 weeks of HoLEP does not negatively impact operative difficulty or treatment outcome.

Neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin is an early marker of renal damage in lower urinary tract obstruction in rats / NGAL es un marcador precoz de daño renal en la obstrucción del tracto urinario inferior en ratas

OBJECTIVES: To compare the urinary NGAL levels with serum creatinine levels as an early biomarker for renal injury in rats with bladder outlet obstruction (BOO). METHODS: Twenty male Wistar Albino rats divided into 4 groups. In each group basal serum creatinine and urinary NGAL levels were evaluated. In Group 1 (Sham/Control group) only laparotomy was performed. In Group 2 (14th day partial BOO) and Group 3 (28th day partial BOO) partial obstruction and in Group 4 (Complete BOO) complete obstruction was performed. Serum creatinine levels and urinary NGAL levels were evaluated in Group 4 on the third day of the study, in Group 2 on the 14th day and in Group 3 and Group 1 on the 28th day. Urethra, ureters and kidneys were excracted by laparotomy and evaluated for histopathologic examination. RESULTS: The increase in plasma creatinine levels after obstruction was statistically significant in Group 4 (p < 0.05). There was significant difference between the groups in urinary NGAL levels after obstruction (p < 0.05). Post-obstruction urinary NGAL levels was highest in Group 4 and it was statistically significant when compared to beginning levels (p < 0.05). In Group 3, increase in urinary NGAL levels were higher (p < 0.05) with no increase in plasma creatinine levels after obstruction. CONCLUSIONS: It can be concluded that urinary NGAL levels might be an early biomarker for renal dysfunction in partial bladder outlet obstruction which may cause renal impairment through upper urinary tract injury. Therefore, urinary NGAL may play role during the treatment choice and follow-up in BOO patients

OBJETIVOS: Comparar los niveles urinarios de NGAL con la creatinina sérica como marcador precoz de daño renal en ratas con obstrucción del tracto urinario inferior. MÉTODOS: 20 ratas Wistar Albino masculinas fueron divididas en 4 grupos. En cada grupo se midió el nivel basal de creatinina en suero así como los niveles urinarios de NGAL. En el grupo 1 (Sham/Grupo Control) solo se realizó laparotomía. En el grupo 2 (14 días después de una obstrucción tracto urinario inferior parcial) y el grupo 3 (28 días después de una obstrucción tracto urinario inferior parcial) se realizó una obstrucción parcial y en el grupo 4 (obstrucción completa) una obstrucción completa. Los niveles de creatinina sérica y NGAL urinario fueron evaluados en el grupo 4 en el 3er día del estudio; en el grupo 2 en el día 14 del estudio y en el grupo 1 en el día 28. Uretra, uréteres y riñones se quitaron por laparotomía y se hizo un análisis histológico. RESULTADOS: El incremento en la creatinina sérica después de la obstrucción fue estadísticamente significativo en el grupo 4 (p < 0,05). Hubo suficiente diferecia entre los grupos en términos de NGAL urinario después de la obstrucción (p < 0,005). Los niveles de NGA post-obstructivos fueron superiores en el grupo 4 y fue estadísticamente significativo en comparación con los niveles iniciales. En el grupo 3, el incremento en los niveles de NGAL urinario fue superior (p < 0,005) sin incrementeo en los niveles de creatinina en plasma después de la obstrucción. CONCLUSIONES: Se puede concluir que los niveles de NGAL urinarios podrían ser un marcador de lesión renal en caso de obstrucción parcial del tracto urinario inferior. Por tanto, NGAL urinario debe jugar un papel durante la elección de tratamiento y seguimiento de pacientes con obstrucción del tracto urinario inferior

Association between the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio and intravesical prostatic protrusion in men with benign prostatic hyperplasia.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the association between neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and intravesical prostatic protrusion (IPP) in men with benign prostatic hyperplasia. METHODS: Two hundred and fifty men aged >50 years who presented with lower urinary tract symptoms at our institution between 2014 and 2018 were analyzed. Pearson's method was used for analysis of the correlation between NLR and IPP. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to identify predictors of IPP. Further analysis according to total prostate volume (TPV) was performed. RESULTS: The NLR correlated positively with IPP (Pearson's r = 0.459, P < 0.001) and was an independent predictor of IPP ≥10 mm (odds ratio, 2.95; 95% confidence interval, 1.59-5.47; P = 0.0006). Among the 142 men with prostates <40 cm3 , mean NLR was 2.50 ± 0.71 in those with IPP ≥10 mm and 1.71 ± 0.57 in those with IPP < 10 mm (P < 0.001). The NLR differed significantly between those with a prostate <40 cm3 and IPP ≥10 mm and those with a larger prostate and IPP < 10 mm (2.50 ± 0.71 vs 2.07 ± 0.77, respectively; P = 0.020). CONCLUSIONS: NLR can be used as a surrogate marker for presence of IPP. Its clinical value would be especially important in men with a small prostate gland but high IPP. The NLR seemed to be more strongly correlated with IPP than with TPV.

Evaluation of a rat model of functional urinary bladder outlet obstruction produced by chronic inhibition of nitric oxide synthase.

AIMS: Ligation of the urethra to create partial bladder outlet obstruction has widely been used as an animal model of bladder obstruction, although obstructive bladder dysfunction may be due to both mechanical and functional obstruction. Previous studies in rodents have demonstrated that long-term nitric oxide (NO) deficiency can lead to detrusor overactivity, and lack of NO may thus cause impairment of bladder outlet relaxation. The aim of this study was to define the characteristics of bladder and urethral dysfunction induced by chronic NO deficiency through both in vivo and in vitro investigations. MAIN METHODS: Rats were divided into two groups, and one group received an NO synthase inhibitor (Nω-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester hydrochloride: L-NAME) in the drinking water for 4 weeks. Bladder and urethral function were evaluated by continuous cystometry and isovolumetric cystometry. In vitro functional studies of detrusor strips and measurement of the mRNA and protein expression of an ischemic marker and a gap junction protein were also performed in separate rats. KEY FINDINGS: L-NAME administration raised blood pressure and decreased plasma nitrite/nitrate level compared to the control group. L-NAME treatment increased the frequency of bladder contractions and the residual volume, and elevated urethral pressure and bladder contraction pressure. In addition, carbachol-induced contraction was reduced in isolated detrusor strips from the L-NAME group, and bladder expression of HIF-1 and connexin 43 showed upregulation. SIGNIFICANCE: These findings suggest that chronic administration of L-NAME to rats induces bladder hyperactivity with residual urine, and may provide a useful model of functional bladder obstruction.

Oxidative stress in the bladder of men with LUTS undergoing open prostatectomy: a pilot study

ABSTRACT Purpose: This study aims to evaluate the link between preoperative parameters and oxidative stress (OS) markers in the bladder wall of men undergoing open prostatectomy. Materials and Methods: From July 2014 to August 2016, men aged ≥ 50 years and presenting with LUTS were prospectively enrolled. Preoperative assessment included validated questionnaires (IPSS and OAB - V8), lower urinary tract ultrasound and urodynamics. Bladder biopsies were taken during open prostatectomy for determination of OS markers. Increased OS was defined by increased concentration of malondialdehyde (MDA) and / or decreased concentration of antioxidant enzymes (superoxide dismutase and / or catalase). P<0.05 was regarded as statistically significant. Results: Thirty - eight consecutive patients were included. Mean age was 66.36 ± 6.44 years, mean prostate volume was 77.7 ± 20.63 cm3, and mean IPSS was 11.05 ± 8.72 points. MDA concentration was increased in men with severe bladder outlet obstruction (BOO grade V - VI according to the Schaefer's nomogram) in comparison with BOO grade III - IV (p = 0.022). Patients with severe LUTS also had higher MDA concentration when compared to those with mild LUTS (p = 0.031). There was a statistically significant association between increased post - void residual urine (cut off ≥ 50 mL) and not only higher levels of MDA, but also reduced activity of SOD and catalase (p < 0.05). Conclusions: This pilot study showed that severity of LUTS and BOO were associated with increased MDA concentration in the bladder wall of men undergoing open prostatectomy. Further studies are still needed to assess the role of non - invasive biomarkers of OS in predicting bladder dysfunction in men with LUTS.

Oxidative stress in the bladder of men with LUTS undergoing open prostatectomy: a pilot study.

PURPOSE: This study aims to evaluate the link between preoperative parameters and oxidative stress (OS) markers in the bladder wall of men undergoing open prostatectomy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From July 2014 to August 2016, men aged ≥ 50 years and presenting with LUTS were prospectively enrolled. Preoperative assessment included validated questionnaires (IPSS and OAB - V8), lower urinary tract ultrasound and urodynamics. Bladder biopsies were taken during open prostatectomy for determination of OS markers. Increased OS was defined by increased concentration of malondialdehyde (MDA) and / or decreased concentration of antioxidant enzymes (superoxide dismutase and / or catalase). P<0.05 was regarded as statistically significant. RESULTS: Thirty - eight consecutive patients were included. Mean age was 66.36 ± 6.44 years, mean prostate volume was 77.7 ± 20.63 cm3, and mean IPSS was 11.05 ± 8.72 points. MDA concentration was increased in men with severe bladder outlet obstruction (BOO grade V - VI according to the Schaefer's nomogram) in comparison with BOO grade III - IV (p = 0.022). Patients with severe LUTS also had higher MDA concentration when compared to those with mild LUTS (p = 0.031). There was a statistically significant association between increased post - void residual urine (cut off ≥ 50 mL) and not only higher levels of MDA, but also reduced activity of SOD and catalase (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: This pilot study showed that severity of LUTS and BOO were associated with increased MDA concentration in the bladder wall of men undergoing open prostatectomy. Further studies are still needed to assess the role of non - invasive biomarkers of OS in predicting bladder dysfunction in men with LUTS.

F2-isoprostanes as a biomarker of oxidative stress in the mouse bladder.

PURPOSE: We theorized that progressive bladder dysfunction due to clinical diagnoses such as outlet obstruction occurs as a result of cyclical oxidative stress events. We hypothesized that measurement of F2-isoprostane, a marker of lipid peroxidation, could serve as a biomarker of oxidative stress in the murine bladder. MATERIALS AND METHODS: At age 5 to 6 weeks oophorectomized female mice were subjected to 1 of 2 bladder injury models, that is partial bladder outlet obstruction or acute bladder distension. The time points studied after injury included 4, 8 and 16 weeks after obstruction, and 0 to 48 hours after acute bladder distension. In a separate group short-term repetitive acute bladder distension was performed every other day for 14 days. Bladder samples were analyzed for F2-isoprostane using gas chromatography and mass spectroscopy. Mean tissue F2-isoprostane levels were compared. RESULTS: F2-isoprostane increased significantly after 4 weeks of partial bladder outlet obstruction from 1.46 ng/gm in controls to 2.31 ng/gm at 4 weeks (p = 0.01). Eight and 16 weeks after partial bladder outlet obstruction F2-isoprostane remained significantly elevated (2.39 and 2.48 ng/gm, respectively). Acute bladder distension resulted in a significant increase in F2-isoprostane immediately after distension compared to controls (1.6 vs 0.75 ng/gm, p = 0.04). In mice that underwent repetitive acute bladder distension F2-isoprostane did not change. CONCLUSIONS: Measurement of tissue F2-isoprostane in the bladder reflects the progression of oxidative stress, primarily in chronic injury models such as partial bladder outlet obstruction. The usefulness of F2-isoprostane measurements in shorter term injury models requires further study.

The significance of detrusor wall thickness as a prognostic factor in pediatric bladder outlet obstruction.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study is to determine detrusor thickness as a prognostic factor in posterior urethral valves. METHODS: The medical information of 41 patients diagnosed with posterior urethral valves at our institute was retrospectively reviewed. The serum creatinine level after bladder decompression, results of ultrasonography, and voiding cystourethrography were compared between groups divided according to the final bladder and renal function. Detrusor thickness was measured using Müller's method. RESULTS: The median detrusor thickness was 1.3 mm (0.4-2.5 mm). After median 45.6 months (7.2-96.0 months) of follow-up, impaired bladder function (IBF) was observed in 14 patients. In multivariate analysis, detrusor thickness greater than 1.3 mm (odds ratio, 32.6; 95% confidence interval, 3.1-340.6; P = .004) was the only independent risk factor for later IBF. Final renal function impairment developed in 24 patients (58.5%), and 3 patients (7.3%) were diagnosed with end-stage renal disease after median 66.0 months (32.4-133.2 months) of follow-up period. On multivariate analysis, age-specific elevated serum creatinine level at presentation (odds ratio, 11.1; 95% confidence interval, 1.1-112.5; P = .042) was an independent risk factor. CONCLUSIONS: Detrusor thickness more than 1.3 mm on ultrasonography was an independent prognostic factor for later IBF.

Oxidative stress biomarkers in urine and plasma of rabbits with partial bladder outlet obstruction.

UNLABELLED: What's known on the subject? and What does the study add? It has been known that there is an increase of oxidative damage in the bladder tissues of animals after PBOO. However, no reliable oxidative stress biomarkers in either urine or plasma have been available for the assessment of the severity of PBOO. This study clearly demonstrated that the levels of oxidative stress biomarkers are increased in urine and plasma of the rabbits with PBOO. OBJECTIVE: To investigate oxidative stress and oxidative damage biomarkers in urine and plasma after partial bladder outlet obstruction (PBOO) in rabbits. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In all, 16 male New Zealand White rabbits were separated equally into four groups: a control group and PBOO-treated groups for 2, 4 and 8 weeks. The oxidative stress biomarkers assessed included urinary 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG) and plasma malondialdehyde (MDA). We also measured the total antioxidant capacity (TAC) in blood plasma. 8-OHdG, MDA and TAC were measured at both the beginning and indicated time points of the experimental design. RESULTS: There was no significant difference in body weight among rabbits in the four groups. However, there was a significant increase in bladder weight after 2 weeks of PBOO. After 4 and 8 weeks of PBOO, there was an additional significant increase in bladder weight in all three groups. There was no difference in blood creatinine levels among the groups. In the 4- and 8-week PBOO groups, there was a significant increase of 8-OHdG in urine and of MDA in plasma, while there was a significant decrease in TAC in plasma. CONCLUSION: The results showed that oxidative stress could be detected in the plasma and urine of rabbits after 4 and 8 weeks of PBOO, and not only from bladder tissue as previously reported. Thus, there could be an easy and alternative way to evaluate bladder function by analysis of urine and/or plasma. Additionally, rabbits with chronic PBOO showed an increase in systemic oxidative stress, which could be a novel starting point for examining the link between the lower urinary tract symptoms/benign prostate hyperplasia and metabolic syndrome in future studies.

Bipolar transurethral resection in saline: the solution to avoid hyponatraemia and transurethral resection syndrome.

OBJECTIVE: To compare serum sodium changes and the incidence of transurethral resection (TUR) syndrome after monopolar transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) and bipolar transurethral resection in saline (TURIS) for symptomatic benign prostatic hyperplasia. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Between January 2005 and August 2009, 550 consecutive patients with symptomatic benign prostate hyperplasia underwent TURP, by either a monopolar or bipolar technique. Preoperative and postoperative blood parameters were analysed to compare preoperative and postoperative electrolyte concentrations. RESULTS: Over 56 months, 265 patients underwent a conventional monopolar TURP and 285 patients had a bipolar TURIS (Olympus). Patient profiles regarding age, operation time, resection weight and resection speed were similar in both groups. A drop in sodium of 2.5 mmol/l was measured in the conventional monopolar resection group. The decline of 1.5 mmol/l in the bipolar group, although smaller, was still statistically significant (p = 0.001). With longer operation times (> 1 h) the difference between the groups became more important (p < 0.001). Two clinical TUR syndromes were observed in the monopolar group, while none occurred in the bipolar group. CONCLUSIONS: Bipolar TURP in saline is a safe technique and obviates the risk of TUR syndrome. Repeated serum analysis of electrolytes after TURIS can be omitted.

Prospective study of the role of transurethral resection of the prostate in patients with an elevated prostate-specific antigen level, minor lower urinary tract symptoms, and proven bladder outlet obstruction.

BACKGROUND: Deciding on strategy for patients with minor lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS), elevated prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels, unsuspicious digital rectal examination (DRE) and/or transrectal ultrasound (TRUS), and multiple negative extended prostate biopsies is complex. OBJECTIVES: To define the role and clinical significance of transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) in these patients. DESIGN, SETTINGS, AND PARTICIPANTS: Thirty-three patients with elevated PSA; minor LUTS, as assessed by the International Prostate Symptoms Score (IPSS); no suspicion for prostate cancer on DRE and/or TRUS; and negative extended prostate biopsies were prospectively enrolled in a cohort study at a tertiary care institution. INTERVENTION: After full urodynamic investigation showing all patients to be bladder outlet obstructed, TURP was performed. MEASUREMENTS: Resected tissue was histologically examined for presence of prostate cancer. Within 6 mo after TURP, patients were clinically reevaluated by means of IPSS and PSA level. RESULTS AND LIMITATIONS: Preoperatively, mean PSA and IPSS values were 8.2ng/ml and 6.8, respectively. Mean detrusor pressure at maximum flow was 80.3cm H(2)O. Histological examination after TURP revealed benign prostate hyperplasia in 81.8% (subgroup 1) and aggressive prostate cancer in 6.1% of patients (subgroup 2). In 12.1% of patients, only a few chips of nonaggressive prostate cancer (T1a) were detected. In patients without signs of aggressive prostate cancer (93.9%=12.1%+81.8%, subgroup 3), mean postoperative PSA and IPSS values were 0.6ng/ml and 2.4, respectively, while these values were 0.6ng/ml and 2.5ng/ml in subgroup 1 (p<0.0001). This study is limited in sample size, requiring more research to confirm these results. CONCLUSIONS: This prospective study shows that, in patients with minor LUTS and no suspicion for prostate cancer, bladder outlet obstruction can result in elevated PSA levels. These patients will benefit from TURP regarding symptomatology and supernormalisation of PSA levels. Moreover, albeit in few cases, histological examination will reveal aggressive prostate cancer.

Comparison of intravesical prostatic protrusion, prostate volume and serum prostatic-specific antigen in the evaluation of bladder outlet obstruction.

AIM: The aims of this study were to define the relationship between intravesical prostatic protrusion (IPP), prostate-specific antigen (PSA) and prostate volume (PV) and to determine which one of them is the best predictor of bladder outlet obstruction (BOO) due to benign prostatic enlargement. METHODS: A prospective study of 114 male patients older than 50 years examined between November 2001 and 2002 was performed. They were evaluated with digital rectal examination, International Prostate Symptoms Score, PSA, uroflowmetry, postvoid residual urine measurement, IPP and PV using transabdominal ultrasound scan. Statistical analysis included scatter plot with Spearman's correlation coefficients and nominal logistic regression RESULTS: Prostate volume, IPP and PSA showed parallel correlation. Although all three indices had good correlation with BOO index, IPP was the best. The Spearman rho correlation coefficients were 0.314, 0.408 and 0.507 for PV, PSA and IPP, respectively. Using receiver-operator characteristic curves, the areas under the curve for PV, PSA and IPP were 0.637, 0.703 and 0.772, respectively. The positive predictive values of PV, PSA and IPP were 65%, 68% and 72%, respectively. Using a nominal regression model, IPP remained the most significant independent index to determine BOO. CONCLUSIONS: All three non-invasive indices correlate with one another. The study showed that IPP is a better predictor for BOO than PSA or PV.

[Experience in treating advanced prostate cancer with bladder outlet obstruction].

BACKGROUND & OBJECTIVE: The incidence and discovery rate of prostate cancer is increased in recent years; with advanced age and multiple organs dysfunction, the advanced prostate cancer patients have poor quality of life. This study was to explore suitable treatment for these patients. METHODS: A total of 80 advanced prostate cancer patients with bladder outlet obstruction were treated by transurethral electrovaporization of the prostate (TVP), plus castration and antiandrogen therapy. Preoperative individualized preparation was performed for each patient. International prostatic symptom score (IPSS), maximum flow rate of urine (Q(max)), prostatic-special antigen (PSA), and ultrasonography were measured before and 3 months after operation. RESULTS: TVP were successful in all cases. Postoperative IPSS was significantly lower than preoperative IPSS in patients with or without urine retention (13+/-3 vs. 31+/-2, 11+/-3 vs. 31+/-2, P<0.01); postoperative Q(max) was significantly higher than preoperative Q(max) in patients with or without urine retention [(19.0+/-3.3) ml/s vs. 0, (19.4+/-2.7) ml/s vs. (8.9+/-3.4) ml/s, P<0.01]. Postoperative PSA was significantly lower than preoperative PSA [(80.4+/-133.4) mg/L vs. (0.1+/-0.4) mg/L, P<0.05]. The volume of prostate was obviously reduced. CONCLUSION: TVP plus castration and endocrine therapy is a safe and effective treatment for advanced prostate cancer patients with bladder outlet obstruction.

Can a baseline prostate specific antigen level identify men who will have lower urinary tract symptoms later in life?

PURPOSE: We evaluated the relationship between baseline prostate specific antigen (PSA) and subsequent lower urinary tract symptom development during 3 decades in unselected men in the Baltimore Longitudinal Study of Aging. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Urinary questionnaires were used to evaluate lower urinary tract symptoms in 704 men during 3 decades. The number of repeat evaluations was 1 to 18. We divided subjects into age groups of younger than 50 and 50 to 69.9 years at the time of the first PSA evaluation. Subjects were divided into 3 PSA groups based on initial PSA below the 25th, 25th to 75th and above the 75th percentile. A mixed effects Poisson model was used to test whether there was a significant relationship between PSA grouping and symptom score with time. RESULTS: There was no statistically significant difference in symptom score distribution across PSA percentiles in men younger than 50 years (p = 0.87) or 50 to 69.9 years old (p = 0.59). When age was used as an independent variable in the model, there was no statistically significant relationship between baseline PSA and symptom score (p = 0.38). CONCLUSIONS: These data suggest that PSA is not a useful predictor of the development of lower urinary tract symptoms in unselected, asymptomatic men.

Does ischemia-induced prostate damage during cardiac surgery involving cardiopulmonary bypass cause bladder outlet obstruction?

OBJECTIVE: This study sought to investigate whether ischemia-induced prostate damage during cardiac surgery involving cardiopulmonary bypass causes bladder outlet obstruction. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study involved 37 men who underwent elective cardiac surgery involving cardiopulmonary bypass. Prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels were determined preoperatively (baseline) and on postoperative days 1, 5, and 30. In 4 cases, the PSA level after the operation was unchanged from the preoperative level, so these 4 men were excluded from the study. In the remaining 33 patients, symptoms of bladder outlet obstruction were assessed using the International Prostate Symptom Score. Each subject completed this test preoperatively and 3, 6 and 9 months postoperatively, and the means scores at these time points were compared. The effects of patient age, operative time, CPB time, and aortic clamping time on postoperative increases in PSA levels were investigated. RESULTS: Thirty-three (89.2%) of the 37 men exhibited increased postoperative PSA levels compared to baseline. The mean PSA level for the 33 cases on day 5 was significantly higher than the baseline mean, but the mean levels on postoperative days 1 and 30 were comparable to baseline. Nine (24.3%) of the 33 men had postoperative PSA levels greater than 4.0 ng/dl (the upper normal limit). There was no significant difference between preoperative and postoperative International Prostate Symptom Scores. CONCLUSION: The study indicates that men's PSA levels are, indeed, increased after cardiac surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass. However, in 9 months of follow-up, there was no association between this PSA rise and development of BOO, according to International Prostate Symptom Scores.

Lower urinary tract symptoms and benign prostatic hyperplasia.

Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is an important cause of lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS). However, many other causes, including smooth muscle dysfunction and neurological factors may contribute to these symptoms, and accurate diagnosis is imperative before invasive treatments are chosen. Careful recording of symptoms, giving emphasis on how they interfere with the patient's quality of life, as well as the use of properly selected tests, constitutes the mainstay of making a correct diagnosis. Men with mild or moderate symptoms not experiencing complications are ideal candidates for medical treatment. For the rest with persistent symptoms or complications such as infection, bleeding, chronic retention or renal impairment further investigation and more invasive forms of treatment need to be considered. We review the patho-physiology of the disease, and current approaches and management of this common problem.

Laser prostatectomy in patients on anticoagulant therapy or with bleeding disorders.

PURPOSE: Bleeding disorders or the use of anticoagulant medication are contraindications to transurethral prostate resection in men with lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) suggestive of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). Laser prostatectomy has proved to be adequate surgical therapy with less blood loss than transurethral prostate resection. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A prospective, controlled study was done in patients at high risk (HR) with LUTS suggestive of BPH. They were treated with contact laser prostatectomy (CLP) or the combination of CLP with visual laser ablation prostatectomy (VLAP). HR was defined as bleeding disorders or anticoagulants use. As a control, men at normal risk with LUTS suggestive of BPH were treated with CLP. Patients completed validated questionnaires and underwent urodynamics at baseline and 6 months postoperatively. RESULTS: A total of 75 patients were included, namely 19 in the HR-CLP group, 11 in the HR-CLP-VLAP group and 45 in the normal risk CLP group. Obstruction relief, and symptomatic and subjective improvement were equal in all 3 groups. Effective capacity (maximum cystometric capacity minus post-void residual volume) also improved significantly in all except the HR-CLP group. Maximum urine flow improved in all groups but not significantly in the HR-CLP group. Intraoperative and postoperative complications were slightly higher in HR cases. However, blood transfusion was never necessary and there was no mortality. CONCLUSIONS: CLP and especially CLP-VLAP perform almost as well in HR cases compared with CLP in those at normal risk. These procedures are safe for men at HR with LUTS suggestive of BPH.

Leptin influences cellular differentiation and progression in prostate cancer.

PURPOSE: Several studies have shown a positive association of dietary fat with prostate cancer. Leptin, a peptide hormone that has a role in the regulation of body weight, currently serves as a more accurate biomarker for total body fat. We designed a study to determine whether leptin influences cellular differentiation and the progression of prostate cancer. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this study we investigated serum leptin in 21 patients with prostate cancer, 50 with benign prostatic obstruction and 50 healthy individuals matched for sex, body mass index and age. Patients with cancer were stratified into 2 groups by the disease spread, including groups 1--organ confined and 2--advanced disease, and into 3 groups by the differentiation degree, including groups 3--Gleason sum 2 to 4 or well differentiated, 4--Gleason sum 5 to 7 or moderately differentiated and 5--Gleason sum 8 to 10 or poorly differentiated. RESULTS: We noted significant differences in serum leptin in the cancer versus control and cancer versus benign prostatic obstruction groups. In addition, in the prostate cancer group serum leptin correlated with prostate specific antigen and biopsy Gleason score. We also observed significant differences in serum leptin in groups 1 versus 2, 3 versus 5 and 4 versus 5. CONCLUSION: Leptin may have roles in the development of prostate cancer through testosterone and factors related to obesity. It influences cellular differentiation and the progression of prostate cancer.